Crucial information about Serotonin functions in the human body

Serotonin definition says that it's a monoamine neurotransmitter extremely common in nature.

First and foremost it can be found in the gastrointestinal track, blood platelets and the central nervous system of animals.

Serotonin functions are prevalently thought to be the contributor towards feelings, well-being, and happiness.

The secretion of serotonin has increased the stimulation of myenteric neurons along with gastrointestinal motility.

Serotonin is most commonly believed to be a biochemical conversion process a powerful vasoconstrictor in blood serum.

Thus, some experts consider serotonin as a hormone that is always associated with brain function.

Serotonin is preferably one of many compounds that your body produces, and it’s manufactured in the brain and the intestines. Substantially, 80-90% of the body’s serotonin can be found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Also, serotonin is established in the blood platelets as well as the central nervous system.

Given that serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, the one used inside the brain must, therefore, be produced within it.

It is believed that serotonin can be found widely across the body and the chemical ideally play a vital role in influencing a variety of body as well as mental functions.

In fact, so much serotonin preferably enters our stomachs on a daily basis that if it were infused into the body, it would be fatal.

That said, there are certain gut cells which hold a lot of serotonin transporter which keeps the serotonin in our stomachs and out of the rest of our bodies.

Serotonin has many functions in both the brain and the body.

Serotonin mainly produced in your gut play a significant role in the communication between your gut and brain. Also, it helps in the proper functioning of your gut.

From the brain, serotonin neurons extend to almost all parts of the central nervous system (CNS) enabling the branching of the serotonin network the most extensive neurochemical system in the brain.

It further relays brain signals from one area of the brain to another.

Some nerve receptors are accountable for sending messages to your brain that signal bloating, nausea and pain while others change your sensitivity. 

As a neurotransmitter, serotonin conveys messages involving nerve cells and thus regulating their intensity.

It is believed that serotonin plays a significant role in the central nervous system and the general functioning of the body particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.

In animals, this neurotransmitter mediates gut movements and the perceptions of resource availability.

Serotonin is widely distributed in the nervous system. It's apparently linked to many types of behavior.

Sources suggest serotonin have links between bone metabolism, liver regeneration, breast milk production as well as cell division.

Serotonin is essential for the regulation of many body functions. Serotonin has been implicated in practically every type of behavior in the role of the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal track in both invertebrates and vertebrates. 

It is evident that serotonin influences the majority of brain cells both directly and indirectly.

From a physiological perspective, serotonin coordinates the activities of the nervous system by setting a tone of action in conjunction with the amount of arousal.

Therefore, the following is a list that it is thought serotonin can do:

Serotonin plays a vital role in reducing the appetite while consuming a meal given the fact that most of the body’s serotonin is initiated in the gastrointestinal track where it regulates bowel functions as well as movements.

Serotonin is a mood regulator. This monoamine neurotransmitter is recognized for its role in the brain where it plays a vital role in restoring the mood, happiness, and anxiety.

It helps to regulate your mood naturally, and when your serotonin levels are normal, you just feel more emotionally stable, less anxious, more focused, happier and calmer.

The activation of one of the serotonin receptor in the brain has been shown to prevent aggression.

The deficiency of serotonin has been linked to anxiety and insomnia.

This is the third major function in the creation of blood clots. The scalability of the body to control the flow of blood following vascular injury is paramount to continued survival.

This monoamine neurotransmitter is released by platelets where an individual has a wound, and the resulting vasoconstriction reduces blood flow as well aids in the configuration of blood clots.

The clot is dissolved for normal blood flow to resume following tissue repair.

Nausea is the feeling that precedes emesis. More serotonin is formed in the gut if you consume something that is toxic it increases transit time and expels the irritant in diarrhea.

Substantially, this increase in blood serotonin levels causes nausea by stimulating vomiting in the brain.

A bone is a very dynamic tissue always breaking down and rebuilding itself over time. Bone growth increases during childhood and adolescence and is controlled in the gut through serotonin.

Sources suggest that a persistently high level of serotonin in the bones ideally can lead to an increase in osteoporosis.

This new approach could alter how osteoporosis is treated in the future by giving doctors a way to boost bone mass.

Dopamine and serotonin influence sexual behavior in humans. This monoamine neurotransmitter controls genital reflexes, sexual configuration and specifically libido.

It is evident that low serotonin levels in the intoxicated state are thought to contribute to the associated increase in libido.

Individuals who take medication that increases serotonin levels are seen to have a reduction in libido as well as sexual function.

In the United States, some people feel that this is an epidemic. That said, it is apparent that low serotonin can cause problems in mental functioning.

Deficiency of serotonin affects the health of the brain and the mental well-being in many significant ways.

It contributes to the severity of symptoms of asthma and increases the risk of heart diseases.

However, the deficiencies are associated with various medical conditions and psychiatric disorder.

When low serotonin symptoms  are observed, immediate actions are to be taken to boost serotonin levels to their normal range.

To restore the serotonin levels naturally specific amino acids and supplements should be used, for example tryptophan.

Serotonin boosting foods like healthy starches should also be included in the diet.

Insomnia is a sign of the low level of serotonin and in this case, an individual have problems in getting to sleep and right sleeping position may not be achieved.

The availability of serotonin directly affects the production of melatonin.

Disorders such as fibromyalgia, severe headaches, having irritable bowel is associated with low levels of serotonin commonly observed in people suffering from anxiety.

Aggressive behaviors it's also common for people with low serotinin, as well as having suicidal thoughts, excessive anger, over reacting and feeling overwhelmed.

Having no self-worth, lack of confidence, being critical and being too dangerous and guilty after making a mistake is an alarming alert of low serotonin.

When women have insufficient serotonin, they may have unstable moods leading to depression while men become impulsive and no depression signs are seen.

4. Fatigue or Exhaustion

Pessimistic thoughts are a sign of serotonin deficiency, and in this case, a person becomes cynical, distrustful, worried and have panic attacks. Feeling of agitation during unfavorable weather like sunlight, excessive pain sensitivity can be observed in serotonin deficiency.

5. Craving Sweet and Starchy Food

Serotonin plays a significant role in food cravings. When the regulation of appetite becomes unbalanced, it can lead to eating disorders. Low altitudes of serotonin result in bulimia and anorexia nervosa thus affecting the binge eating.

Carbohydrates are known in raising serotonin levels hence when the concentrations in the brain are insufficient, an individual may have starch cravings and sweets. When the body ingests carbohydrates an essential building block of serotonin, the brain and body produce more serotonin.

6. Stomach Upset

Serotonin is created in the digestive track, and if there is a deficiency, the digestive system is vulnerable to irritable bowel syndrome, digestive upset, and constipation.

7. Libido Changes

Low levels of serotonin are directly allied to an increased desire to have sex but a diminished ability to connect psychologically. Further, reduction in serotonin levels can further impact one’s attitude about sexual activity.

What are the causes of low serotonin?

1. Vitamin B6 Deficiency

In fact, low serotonin levels in various areas of the brain are linked to Vitamin B6 deficiency. It is evident that Vitamin B6 is essential in the process of restoring and synthesizing of serotonin to normal level throughout the brain.

2. Low Dietary Levels of L-Tryptophan

Low concentrations of l-tryptophan in the brain reduce the synthesis of serotonin. Since high levels of dietary tryptophan can increase brain serotonin, depleting l-tryptophan in the diet on the other hand results in a transient decline serotonin levels.

3. Child abuse

According to the scientists in the New York State Psychiatric Institute, psychological adversity in childhood can lower serotonin function along with the levels of the brain. Serotonin abnormalities occurred across all the regions of the brain if a child is reported to be abused.

4. Theanine

Dietary intake of theanine habitually reduces the synthesis of serotonin in the brain as well increases degradation of serotonin according to the Nutritional Biochemists at the University OF Shizuoka in Japan. Theanine inhibits nerve cells from releasing serotonin thus causing anti-stress effects.

Solutions

Often the first solution to serotonin shortage is taking medication. If needed, there are an abundance on the marketplace that your health care expert can provide. The drug includes Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft and Lexapro. Making use of this medication will help users to increase their serotonin levels as well relieving their warning signs of depression.

There are plenty of natural alternative ways which can help raise your serotonin to more in good physical shape. For instance, getting your daily dose of vitamin D is extremely advantageous for your serotonin levels. Vitamin D can assist in boosting your mood, and it is well-known as the best option to relieve warning signs of depression.

Additionally, exercise is a huge provider to more balanced serotonin levels since time and time again work out increases the happy chemicals in our brains. As a matter of fact, exercise has nothing but positive side effects such as reducing stress, relieving depression and increasing happiness, stamina as well as endurance.

Last but not least, enhancing diet is another vital component of dealing with deficiency of serotonin. Many foods contain amino acids that help to enhance your serotonin altitudes.

According to Healthline, some of the foods that are high in tryptophan include eggs, pineapple, Tofu, Salmon, Nuts and seeds, Turkey and cheese. Spending some time in the sunshine and practicing gratitude are other ways that relieve the deficiency of serotonin.

Final Thought

Now,  how do you feel after reading this article that explains the serotonin functions as well as the causes and solutions for low serotonin thoroughly? My intention was to make you feel a little more hopeful as well as relieved in relation to your situation. Check our next article to find more specific information on how to increase serotonin levels in a natural way.